Saint Ciarán 

I found myself drawn back to the ruin of St. Ciarán’s Church at Glendalough. St. Ciarán was the anam cara (soul friend) of St. Kevin. 

His church is right next to Kevin’s Church in the newer monastic ruins of Glendalough. (Newer … as in the 800s.) I sat inside the ruins in silence and contemplated friendship. These words came. 

Soul Friend

You stand with me.
You know my heart.
You honor my spirit by your presence.
Our hearts, tender and wounded,
Silent and overflowing,
Join in the One Heart that holds all.

My anam cara,
Heart of my heart,
Blessing me,
Blessing the world
With love.